John “Doc” Marcellus is a respected brass pedagogue and international recording artist whose students play in major symphony orchestras and teach on some of the world’s most prestigious music faculties.
After receiving a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and graduate degrees from Catholic University, and after serving on the faculties of North Carolina School for the Arts, Catholic University, Howard University, and American University, he was appointed Professor of Trombone and Director of the Eastman Trombone Choir in 1978, after a worldwide search for an heir to carry on the legacy of “The Chief” – the legendary Emory Remington (founder of ETC and an Eastman faculty member from 1922-1972). In that year he also became trombonist of the Eastman Brass. John Marcellus taught at Eastman until his retirement in 2014.
“Doc” Marcellus is internationally known for his performances and recordings as Principal Trombone of the National Symphony Orchestra and soloist with the United States Navy Band. He has appeared in solo recitals and master classes in Europe and Asia, has appeared as a soloist with many community and university bands and orchestras throughout the United States and Canada, and made solo appearances at the International Trombone Workshop, International Brass Colloquium, International Brass Congress, Eastern Trombone Workshop, Eastern Music Festival, Brevard Music Center, National Symphony and Norfolk Chamber Orchestras. He has commissioned and premiered over 50 works, and he has numerous articles and recordings to his credit.
Marcellus is Past President and founding member of the International Trombone Association, a founding member and Co-Director of the Eastern Trombone Workshop and former Chair of the Woodwinds, Brass and Percussion Department of Eastman. Vice President Emeritus, New York Conference of Musicians (2010).
He has been a guest musician at the Chautauqua School of Music and Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, and Interlochen Arts Academy. His many honors include the International Trombone Association’s Highest Award for Pedagogy, Performance and Literature, New York Brass Conference Dedication for Achievement in Brass Performance, Mu Phi Epsilon Musician of the Year, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Eastern Trombone Workshop.